A Few Economic Indicators to Watch in the Second Half of 2017The economy hasn't been showing explosive growth, but its stability is something couples should keep an eye on.BY STEPHEN NG

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When looking at the second half of 2017 couples should focus on the following.

“ But if the country clamps down on imports, we might start seeing $25 watermelons ourselves.”

According to the Washington Post, economic growth was slow in the United States during the first quarter of 2017, moving along at only 0.7 percent.

The number is a big drop off from the 2.1 percent growth experienced by the nation in the final quarter of 2016 and a long way from President Donald Trumpís promise of 3 percent economic growth during his time in office.

It hasnít been all bad news on the economic front thus far in 2017. In the wake of what is turning out to be a volatile and unpredictable presidency, the stock market, which usually swings on every little tick of newsóeconomic or notóhas been quiet. In fact, it continues the steady growth that it has shown for nearly a decade.

As a financial adviser Iíve been hesitant to tell couples I speak with that thereís just no way of telling how long this strong market performance will continue, but what I do know is that it canít last forever.

When the market is up, you have to be careful. You need to make sure you have strategies in place for when the market drops. The stock market is one thing I will have my eye on as we move into the second half of 2017, along with these other financially-related items:

Inflation. Prices could be going up in the U.S. and the increase could be pretty high if we limit imports or place tariffs on them, as President Trump has talked about doing. The cheapest watermelon costs about $25 in Japan. Compare that to the U.S. where we might pay $5. But if the country clamps down on imports, we might start seeing $25 watermelons ourselves.

Taxes and IRAs. Trumpís proposal to lower corporate and personal income taxes could provide a historic opportunity for people to convert their traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs. When you retire, you pay taxes on the money you withdraw on a traditional IRA, but you donít pay taxes on money you withdraw from a Roth. So if taxes are lowered, people should consider taking advantage and convert to Roths. You would pay taxes when you convert, but likely at a lower rate than you might have in the distant future when you retire.

Okay, I'll continue looking at the stock market. The market has been on an upward swing for the most part of about nine years. What goes up comes down. When the market is up, people need to be careful, but most people become complacent. Do you have a strategy to protect your portfolio when the market has its inevitable drop?

The most stable approach is generally to maintain a well-diversified portfolio using a strategy appropriate for your time frame, personal goals and risk tolerance.

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Over 1 million couples turn to Hitched for expert marital advice every year. Sign up now for our newsletter & get exclusive weekly content that will entertain, educate and inspire your marriage.